Bob Homans January 21

20230122

Ukraine – 1/21 Sitrep
Compiled by: Robert Homans
January 21, 2023

“Bring on the Debate About the U.S. Fight for Ukraine” Holman Jenkins, Wall St. Journal

Jenkins’ column in today’s Wall Street Journal is one of the best and most clear-eyed descriptions of the case for U.S. support of Ukraine that I have seen.    The WSJ has a high paywall, so I’ll provide some excerpts (bold face is mine):

·       “Though the risks to U.S. policy can be exaggerated, with a GOP takeover of the House we’re going to have the debate we haven’t yet had on Ukraine policy. Reportedly Central Intelligence Agency chief William Burns delivered just such a warning to Ukraine’s president in a secret visit a week ago.”

·       “But let’s have a debate. As always, the first temptation will be to waste time on unavailable options. Only two alternatives seem realistic to me. The best by far is the strategy the U.S. is pursuing, to support Ukraine to repulse a Russian invasion.”

·       “Would standing back and not supporting Ukraine also be a realistic alternative? Maybe, but it’s not so simple. The Ukrainians would still resist; the front-line states such as the Baltics and Poland would likely still support that resistance to hogtie Russia and defend their own security. Ukraine would still become a quagmire, just a different quagmire. The Kremlin can’t really put forward enough force to subdue and control western Ukraine, where anti-Russian sentiment is strongest. An unstable, militarized front line would likely emerge; a guerrilla struggle would likely rage across it.”

·       “The (U.S.) non-participation option might soon feel like no option at all. If the 20th century teaches anything, the U.S. always ends up involved. The Truman administration’s ardent determination to wash its hands of the Koreas, leaving them to the U.N., didn’t last long.”

·       “Suppressing the hopes of 40 million Ukrainians (keeping Ukraine out of NATO) to make sure a corrupt Moscow dictatorship felt secure was unlikely ever to be a practical endeavor for Washington, inconsistent with too many other priorities and long-term interests.”

·       “To believe we could have reinvented Russia is to echo the campus left of the 1970s, which saw the U.S. as all-powerful and therefore responsible for all outcomes.”

·       “Not only does current U.S. strategy recommend itself for all the above reasons. It recommends itself precisely because it wasn’t the strategy the Biden administration started with. It was the strategy that opened up for us once it was revealed that the Russians were 5 feet tall, the Ukrainians were fighters, the Europeans would rally, and that the energy card in Moscow’s hand was the five of clubs instead of the ace of spades.”

·       “Russia has to break a nation, (Ukraine) which it can’t do. Ukraine, with its NATO allies, only has to break an aging clique whose competence and judgment are none too impressive of late.”

From the start of these emails, we have argued that Ukraine will keep fighting regardless of any ceasefire and, as a result of a ceasefire, especially one that leaves Ukrainian territory in Russian hands, NATO would have a nasty guerrilla war on its hands on their Eastern Flank.   The pundits don’t listen to us, but maybe they’ll listen to Jenkins.  To repeat what Jenkins wrote, “The front-line states such as the Baltics and Poland would likely still support that (Ukraine’s) resistance to hogtie Russia and defend their own security. Ukraine would still become a quagmire, just a different quagmire.”   Better to do what is necessary to ensure Ukraine’s victory.

Latest Lawrence Freedman – “Proxies and Puppets”

As Freedman always does, he neatly sums up his analysis in the last paragraph, “For now Western governments trust the Ukrainians to use their growing capabilities wisely and professionally. They can think of no other way to move the war to a satisfactory conclusion. If there are no military breakthroughs then the overall picture does not change but the way forward becomes harder to discern. Ukraine will not suddenly be abandoned but we can expect future support to be less substantial and more geared to keeping Ukraine viable and less geared to victory. The test of the new package is not whether it can add to Russian losses but whether it can make it possible for Ukraine to win.”

Obviously, the latest arms package would be substantially augmented by the inclusion of main battle tanks, especially the German Leopard II tanks.   My sense is that they will appear.   Poland has announced that they will begin training Ukrainian tank crews on their Leopards, but likely without immediately physically transferring their tanks to Ukraine.  

One suggestion that has been made is for Poland to transfer their Leopards to Poland, to be replaced by American Abrams tanks.   Perhaps this might satisfy Germany – allow Poland to transfer its Leopards to Ukraine but keep the Abrams tanks within their established supply chain in a NATO country, that currently doesn’t exist in Ukraine.

News From the Battlefield

The U.S. has recommended to Ukraine that it not start a new counterattack against Russia until they have been trained on the new weapons that are arriving.   From looking at the last 2 editions of “Reporting From Ukraine,” including his latest, the counterattack may well be underway – in Kreminna and Svatove.    He believes that because of recent Ukrainian advances bringing them closer to Svatove, that the Russians may be forced to move regular troops up from the south, Kraminna, Soledar, and Bakhmut, to support the Russian conscripts who are now opposing the Ukrainians.

Part of the reason that we believed that Ukrainians were making gains around Svatove and Kreminna was because there was so little official news coming out of this area.   As “Reporting From Ukraine” observed, there is now an increased volume of official news about the villages near Svatove.

There is a very amusing meme in the Latest Denys, at around 6:25 into his video, about the deployment of air defense systems in and around the Kremlin.   At around 7:30 into the video, he shows the direction of Ukraine’s attack against Kreminna.

Two Ukrainian advances in the same general area, against Svatove and Kreminna, while continuing to mount a defense around Bakhmut and Soledar.   Does all this, especially Svatove and Kreminna, constitute a new counterattack?

1/21 Sitrep (my comments in bold face)

Russian Invasion of Ukraine 12:00 noon January 20 to 12:00 noon January 21, 2022

Abbreviations:

RMA = Regional Military AdministrationSBU = Security Service of Ukraine

RASHISTS = russian Facists/all russian invaders

INTERNATIONAL

11:58 Kyodo: In Japan, from January 22, training of Ukrainian sappers will begin in the country, -.

·       According to the agency, the country's authorities also decided to transfer four mine detectors produced in Japan to Kyiv, as well as to instruct on their use.

10:58 Delfi: Following the Netherlands' announcement that it was ready to consider handing over its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said he expected broad U.S. support for such a possible allied decision.

09:47 Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is already preparing to send Challenger 2 tanks, which London announced recently. Ukrainian servicemen will start training in the near future.

·       Training does not take much time, because, as noted by British instructors, the Ukrainian military is motivated and learns very quickly.

08:51 CNN - Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States: We need tanks now before Russia launches a new offensive in the spring, —

·       "Tanks are needed today so that our defenders can protect us, so that they can return to the counteroffensive and prevent new attacks of the Russian Federation, which it is preparing in the spring. We constantly consult with partners and, taking into account everything, Leopard is the best option in maintenance and repair, "said Markarova.

O8:01  DW: The Berlin prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the "Russian house of science and culture,” which operates in the German capital. The organization's activities will be checked in connection with the alleged violation of the law on foreign economic activity. We are talking about EU sanctions against Russia because of its military invasion of Ukrainey.

08:00 U.S. Treasury Department:  U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo discussed with colleagues from the coalition of countries that have imposed restrictions on Russian oil prices, the progress already made and further sanctions on petroleum products from Russia.

00:56: Cherkasy minesweeper M311 was spotted in Britain along with the M310 Chernihiv minesweeper near the port of Clyde.

·       These are not the same Ukrainian minesweepers, one of which in 2014 resisted the Russians in Donuzlav, although the numbers of their side numbers are the same.

·        The class of these ships "Sandown", they were built in Britain, they were named after the captured Ukrainian ships and will soon be transferred to the Navy of Ukraine.

00:39: Poland can train and equip an entire tank brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by March — Mariusz Blaszczak

·       "As part of the new support package for Ukraine, I presented our Polish support, which is that by the end of March we will be able to both arm and train Ukrainian soldiers," the Polish Defense Minister said.

00:17 U.S. National Security Council spokesman: The U.S. has submitted evidence to the UN that North Korea is supplying weapons and ammunition to Wagner's "private military company."

·       At the briefing, he also presented satellite images indicating the transportation of weapons from the DPRK to Russia.

January 20

11:41: A railway train from Russia with the inscription "Russian World" on the cars was not allowed into Estonia, Eestonia's Southern Prefecture said.

·       "In an instant, the train crew had a can of blue paint in their hands, and the aggressor symbol was removed without further ado," the report said.

23:20 Reuters: A new package of EU sanctions against Russia will be ready for the anniversary of a full-scale invasion.

10:10 NATO Secretary General: New military assistance will allow Ukraine to launch its own offensive operations.

·       "Hundreds of new infantry fighting vehicles, armored vehicles and battle tanks are now being provided to Ukraine, this will be of great importance for the country," Stoltenberg said.

21:53 Polish Foreign Minister: Ukrainian blood is actually pouring and this is the price of fluctuations with the supply of "Leopards".

·       "Arming Ukraine so that it can repel Russia's aggression is not some kind of decision-making exercise. We must act, and immediately," Rau wrote.

21:15: Ukraine will receive 2 Patriot installations and missiles from the Netherlands, said the head of the Kingdom's Ministry of Defense, Kaisa Ollongren.

21:28 Politico: PMC "Wagner" finances its military activities in Ukraine through a mine in the Central African Republic (CAR).

·       According to the publication, the group can increase its profit from the extraction of minerals in the CAR to $ 1 billion. The funds received are spent on financing hostilities in Ukraine, Politico reports.

20:50: The U.S. Treasury Department recognizes PMC Wagner as an international criminal organization, national security adviser John Kirby said at a briefing.

·       According to Kirby, the U.S. Treasury Department will soon impose sanctions against Wagner.

19:01: Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkish President Erdogan for organizing a meeting of ombudsmen of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia in Ankara.

18:39 U.S. General Mark Milley: Ukraine is unlikely to be able to expel Russia from all its territory because of a military victory in 2023.

·       "It's possible. But it's going to be very difficult," Milley added.

·       The U.S. estimates that Russia was able to mobilize up to 250,000 troops for the war in Ukraine out of 300,000 people, U.S. Gen. Mark Milley said.

·       Milley also said that Russian losses far exceed the number of 100,000.

·       As a Wall Street Journal editorial stated, quoting Gen. Milley “ “I still maintain that for this year it would be very, very difficult to militarily eject the Russian forces” from all of Ukraine.” Gen. Milley’s job should be finding more ways to help Ukraine win, not telling the world and Americans that they can’t.”

18:32 Secretary of Defense: NATO's allied forces will remain united and will continue to ramp up efforts to support Ukraine.

·       "This applies not only to the security of Ukraine. This also applies to European security and global security. It's about the world we want to live in and the world we want our children and grandchildren to inherit," he said.

·       The event has a "window of opportunity until spring" before the Armed Forces launch a counterattack, Pentagon Chairman Austin said of options for providing Ukraine with tanks.

17:36: Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Turkish President Erdogan, the Turkish president's office said.

·       During the conversation, the parties discussed Turkey's humanitarian and energy support for Ukraine, as well as the functioning of the grain corridor, the office said.

164:45 Secretary of Defense: A new $2.5 billion military assistance package from the United States for Ukraine includes NASAMS air defense systems and Avenger air defense systems.

·       "Our new package provides even more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine protect its cities and skies," he said.

16:13 German Defense Minister: Germany will provide Ukraine with a €1 billion military assistance package in the spring.

·       According to the minister, the package will include 40 Marder IFVs, 7 Gepard self-propelled guns, Iris-T air defense systems and missiles to these complexes.

15:54 Head of the German Ministry of Defense: NATO countries at the meeting in Ramstein failed to achieve a common position on the supply of Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv.

·       "Media claims that Germany is standing in the way of forming a coalition to send heavy tanks into Ukraine are lies. There are good reasons to send equipment, but there are also reasons not to do so. All the pros and cons must be weighed. Many allies share our point of view," Pistorius added.

15:43 Zelenskyy: "The message from Ukraine at the forum in Davos is very simple and honest: no one in the free world now has the opportunity to delay."

15:34 Radio Liberty: The Pentagon does not see the potential for a new Russian offensive, and the new weapons transferred to Ukraine can change the dynamics on the battlefield.

·       "Russian troops spread from Kharkiv to Kherson. And we do not see the emergence of new offensive groups. However, at the same time, they launched an offensive before. So it's hard for me to guess what the battlefield will be like now. However, now I do not see a major Russian offensive approaching."

15:19: Russia's misappropriation of about 50 SMM armoured vehicles for use in the war against Ukraine is unacceptable, Moscow must immediately return the OSCE property and release the captured members of the mission.

·       This is stated in a statement by the European Union delivered during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.

·       In addition, British Permanent Representative to the OSCE Neil Bush said that Russia should provide comprehensive explanations about the seizure of SMM vehicles and their use in the occupied territories of eastern Ukraine.

14:45 ARD: Germany's new defence minister, Boris Pistorius, said a decision on the supply of tanks would be made within the next few days.

·       "I'm pretty sure we'll get a decision on that over the next few days. I cannot tell you today what it will look like," said the head of the German Ministry of Defense.

14:16 Bloomberg: The Swiss authorities are ready to give the frozen assets of Russians to restore Ukraine, but this requires a legal framework. The country has already frozen $8.2 billion in Russian assets.

·       It is reported that Swiss banks are categorically against it. Bankers say it will undermine Switzerland's status as a financial center and be a "death sentence" for banks.

14:02 Anadolu: U.S. military equipment stationed in Israel was deployed Ukraine a few weeks ago.

·       "We are talking about American weapons stored in Israel. This is not an Israeli weapon, the decision to move them came from the United States and does not reflect the Israeli position," the statement said.

13:53 CNN: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says Russia is running out of ammunition and has suffered significant combat losses.

·       The Pentagon chief noted that Moscow is now appealing to its few partners left over to "replenish supplies for its tragic and unnecessary invasion, but even Iran and North Korea do not recognize that they are supplying Russia."

NATIONAL

11:26 Ukrenergo: Electricity consumption: at the level of yesterday.

·       One of the units at the thermal power plant was put into emergency repair, which reduced the total volume of electricity production. The power shortage remains significant.

·       Reduced consumption limits for the whole day have been brought to all regional power distribution companies.

11:09 Executive Director of the company: DTEK has lost 127 of its employees since the beginning of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine,

·       It is also known that 319 workers were wounded, 46 were missing, and four more were captured.

10:46: British intelligence names three sectors of fierce fighting at the front

·       In the northeast, near Kreminna, Ukraine probably achieved little success and successfully defended itself against a Russian counterattack.

·       In the Bakhmut direction, russian army forces and "Wagnerians" are likely to regroup in the city of Soledar (British intelligence allows the capture of the city at the beginning of the week).

·       In the south, in the Zaporizhia region, both sides concentrated significant forces that conducted artillery skirmishes, but avoided large-scale offensive actions.

11:48 Operational Command South: The Russians are holding five rocket carriers in the Black Sea. This is less than the day before.

·       One submarine returned to its home port, which may indicate either problems in responding to the storm or re-equipment. Currently, the general grouping in the Black Sea consists of 11 Russian warships, the total volley — 36 "Calibers.

11:37: Civilian casualties as a result of Russian armed aggression for 20.01.2023 according to regional military administrations.

·       Donetsk – 3 killed and 4 wounded

·       Zaporizhia – 1 killed and 1 wounded

·       Kharkiv – 1 killed and 4 wounded

·       Kherson – 4 wounded

07:10 Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

·       "During the day, the enemy inflicted 7 missile (3 of which on the cities of Kramatorsk and Gulyaipole) and 15 air strikes. He also carried out 68 attacks from the MLRS, in particular, on the civilian infrastructure of Nikopol.

·       Over the past day, units of the Defense Forces repulsed attacks by the occupiers in the areas of the settlements of Novoselivske, Ploshanka and Chervonopivka in the Luhansk region and Bilohorivka, Rozdolivka, Vasyukivka, Krasnaya Gora, Yagodne, Bakhmut, Predtechino, Vodiane and Marinka in the Donetsk region.

·       According to available information, more than 300 wounded Russians are being treated only in the surgical department of the city hospital of Starobilsk, Luhansk region,

·       To provide medical care, Russians use not only medical institutions of temporarily occupied settlements of the Kherson region, which are already overcrowded, but also equip kindergartens for field hospitals.

·       Also, in the central hospital of the settlement of Nizhny Sirogozy, all doctors have been replaced, and now only personnel of the Russian occupation forces are treated there,

·       A similar situation developed in Kalanchak, where local doctors were fired and medical personnel from Crimea were brought in their place. Local residents are not allowed to come to the hospital.

·       Over the past day, the aviation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine has inflicted 18 strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian troops and 4 - on the positions of their anti-aircraft missile systems,

·       Also, our defenders shot down 2 reconnaissance UAVs "Orlan-10" and "Merlin-BP".

·       Our units of rocket troops and artillery hit the control point and 2 areas of concentration and ammunition depot of Russians.

January 20

23:57: The Armed Forces of Ukraine conduct exercises in the Chernobyl zone

·       "At present, there is no threat of direct land actions from the Republic of Belarus, the common group that is located there. This level is low, but we use this time precisely to increase our capabilities, strengthen our defense," said Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Nayev.

20:44: Evening address by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

·       "In general, it can be summed up that today's Ramstein will strengthen our resilience.

·       The partners are principled in their attitude – they will support Ukraine as much as is necessary for our victory."

19:39: Temporary performance of the duties of the Head of the National Police is entrusted to Ivan Vyhivsky, the National Police of Ukraine reported.

·       "The relevant decision was made by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine today, January 20," the message says.

19:15 Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 18:00 January 20:

·       "The threat of air and missile strikes remains throughout Ukraine.

·       During the day, the enemy inflicted 2 missile (on the civilian infrastructure of the city of Kramatorsk) and 12 air strikes.

·       He also carried out 29 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems, in particular, at Nikopol."

·       "The Republic of Belarus continues to provide comprehensive support to Russian aggression.

·       In addition to joint exercises of the aerospace forces of the Russian Federation and the air forces and air defense forces of the Republic of Belarus, Russian units are being trained on the territory of Belarus."

·       "The enemy is strengthening regime measures in the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhia region.

·       In particular, in the city of Melitopol, a ban has been announced to cross checkpoints around the settlement from March 1 without special passes, which can be obtained in the so-called commandant's office only after providing your personal data."

·       "Mobilization continues in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region.

·       Thus, the occupation administration of Alchevsk has prepared regular lists to replenish the losses in the manpower of the Russian invaders, in particular, at the expense of employees of the so-called Ministry of Emergencies."

·       "During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine inflicted 14 strikes on the areas of concentration of the enemy and 3 - on the positions of anti-aircraft missile systems.

·       And Ukrainian rocket launchers and artillerymen hit the control point, 2 areas of concentration and the ammunition depot of the occupiers."

·        Today, two Russian operational-tactical UAVs were shot down, the Air Force of Ukraine said.

·       "In the southern and eastern directions, two Russian unmanned aerial vehicles of the operational-tactical level "Merlin-BP" and "Orlan-10" were shot down," the message says.

18:15: Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal named three key priorities for Ukraine at the moment:

·       the beginning of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU;

·       creation of a special international tribunal to punish Russian war criminals;

·       confiscation of Russian assets for the restoration of Ukraine.

17:53: The Cabinet of Ministers has set up a commission to investigate the causes of the plane crash in Brovary, said Taras Melnychuk, a government representative in the Verkhovna Rada.

·       "It has been instructed by the government commission to submit to the Cabinet of Ministers by 18.02.2023 a report on the results of the investigation into the causes of the crash of the EC 225 LP helicopter and the measures taken," the statement said.

17:21: Kyiv is excluded from the list of territories of possible hostilities.

·       The relevant order with amendments was approved by the Ministry of Reintegration of Ukraine.

16:55: The SSU neutralized an interregional network of pro-Kremlin Internet agitators during investigative and operational actions in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Lviv, Mykolayiv, and Cherkasy regions.

·       The perpetrators publicly justified Russia's armed aggression and called for the seizure of state power in Ukraine.

164:24 Air Force spokesman: The best way to deal with Russia's S-300s and S-400s is to destroy them.

·       According to the representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is quite possible to get enemy anti-aircraft missile systems even 200 km from the Ukrainian border.

13:33: 60 cars and 60 drones were received by the Armed Forces last year with the assistance of the Favbet Foundation.

·       In addition, the military received more than 100 optical and radio devices for effective combat operations, as well as thousands of pieces of military equipment and uniforms.

13:25 Operational Command South: In the Black Sea, the Defense Forces spotted six Russian missile carriers with a total volley of about 40 Calibers.

·       "We can talk about the danger of single missile strikes, as well as preparations for a massive missile strike," Humenyuk warned on the air of a telethon.

12:59: Civilian casualties as a result of Russian armed aggression for 19.01.2023 according to regional military administrations.

·       Donetsk – 4 killed and 3 wounded

·       Kherson – 1 killed and 3 wounded

MORDOR (Russia)

January 20

14:25: Activists of the "Yellow Ribbon" movement distributed pro-Ukrainian leaflets and painted graffiti in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

LUHANSK

January 20

11:19 Luhansk RMA: There is heavy fighting near Kreminna. The Russians send zeks to attack even through minefields.

·       Russian troops throw additional reserves there, because they understand that the front line is approaching Kreminna. Even the dead cadre military are left on the battlefield, not to mention the "Wagnerians".

10:42 Social Networks: Subscribers report explosions in Sloviansk, Donetsk region.

DONETSK

10:29 Donetsk RMA: The night before, the Russians shelled Kurakhove, targeted 2 private houses and a shopping pavilion, damaged 6 high-rise buildings. In Avdiivka, chaotic shelling continued at night, and the next morning the city suffered 4 shellings from Grad rockets.

·       In Bakhmut, Russians targeted a high-rise building — killing 2 people and wounding 3. In New York, 3 houses were damaged. Kostiantynivka suffered 2 missile strikes - a kindergarten and a college were damaged. Constant shelling continues in Paraskoviivka.

·       In the Lysychansk direction, a high-rise building in Lyman and 3 private houses in Drobyshevo were damaged. Shelling of Torsky and Zarechny, as well as Siversk, continues without casualties.

·       In just one day, the Russians killed 3 residents of the Donetsk region, wounded 4.

January 20

22:51: Explosions are heard in the Kramatorsk district of the Donetsk region

22:46 Social Networks: In Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, the sounds of explosions are heard.

15:05: Soldiers of the 45th separate artillery brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine defeated the headquarters and field composition of the Russians in Soledar.

·       "The occupiers use residential buildings and yards as headquarters and warehouses, but our gunners see everything," the post reads.

12:37 City Council: As a result of the shelling of Kramatorsk, 8 apartment buildings, 6 private, 2 medical institutions, a school and a kindergarten were damaged. There are no casualties.

ZAPORIZHIA

January 20

13:44 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Zaporizhia, subscribers report.  Initial indications are that anti aircraft systems are firing.

12:08 Mayor of Yenergodar: The Russians are already looking for personnel for ZNPP on the announcements.

·       "It is already obvious to everyone that the optimistically drawn picture of propagandists about the large number of nuclear scientists who signed contracts with Rosatom (as they claimed, about 3000 people) is not true, and the figure is very exaggerated," the mayor said.

DNIPRO

January 21

07:51 Dnipro RMA: Russian shells arrived again in the Nikopol region that night.

·       the Russians covered the Myrovsk community with fire from heavy artillery - they sent a dozen shells to the village of Abovetarasovka.

·       People weren't hurt. There is destruction. Details of the blow are being clarified.

KHERSON

January 20

17:06: Explosions are heard in Kherson.

16:34 President's Office: Russians shelled two settlements in the Kherson region.

·       "During the artillery attack of the village of Antonovka, a 15-year-old boy was wounded. And due to the shelling of the village of Nova Dmytrivka, Oleksandrivsky district, 1 person was injured - his leg was torn off," the message says.

15:31: Explosions are heard again in Kherson.

13:00 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Kherson.

12:51: The SBU detained a "follower" of collaborator Stremousov, who was spreading enemy propaganda.

·       It turned out to be a citizen of the Russian Federation, who in 2007 came to Ukraine and settled in the Buchansky district of the Kyiv region.

·       "During a search of the offender's residence, law enforcement officers found Russian passports, prohibited symbols and a mobile phone from which she administered the propaganda group," the report said.

MYKOLAIV

January 20

18:03: Today, an enemy missile was shot down over the Mykolaiv region, said the head of the region's police, Serhii Shaikhet.

·       Shaikhet added that no one was injured. The type of Russian missile is not reported.

ODESA

January 20

16:03: Today, in the Odessa region, a drifting mine was thrown onto the coast due to a storm, the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

·       The military neutralized and eliminated the mine through a controlled explosion.

2:57: The SBU detained a Russian agent who was preparing a missile strike on Izmail's power facilities and riverport.

·       At the behest of the Russians, their agent collected information on the deployment of units of the Defense Forces and critical infrastructure facilities in the city. First of all, he was interested in the locations of electrical substations and other urban energy facilities.

KYIV

January 20

23:05: An explosion can be heard in Kyiv at night — in the period from 23:00 to 1:00, sappers will blow up the ice on the Desna River.

·       The sound of an explosion in the city may be loud, in particular in the Desnyansky and Obolonsky districts of the capital, the KCSA warned.

12:26 Kyiv RMA: It will be loud near the capital.

·       As noted in the OVA, in the Buchansky district, sappers will destroy explosive objects

SUMY

January 20

22:25 Sumy RMA: Russians shelled two border communities and attacked them 27.

·       On the Belopole community, the enemy beat with mortars, 20 arrivals. Russians also fired mortars at the Esman community, 7 arrivals.

·       There were no casualties and destruction.

Comparing Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Russian invasion of Ukraine using Wikipedia and Ukraine Ministry of Defense Daily Bulletins. Soviet and Russian military losses not including captured equipment.

SOURCES

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/

https://euromaidanpress.com/

https://cutt.ly/Blyskavka

www.ubn.news